A spring tuneup is the best way to avoid an air conditioning repair this summer. 95 percent of unexpected air conditioner repair can be prevented by calling in for regular maintenance. Of course, there will still be times when your cooling system has a problem, but catching and correcting the issue early can keep repair costs to a minimum. Here are four ways your air conditioner will tell you to turn off the system and schedule immediate AC repair:

1. Noises You Shouldn’t Be Hearing

Air conditioners make odd noises when something is wrong. Banging, thumping, screeching, rattling, grinding, hissing, humming and other uncharacteristic sounds should be addressed. This should be dealt with without delay to correct the problem and avoid equipment damage. Schedule emergency AC repair, and do not operate the system until the problem has been fixed.

2. Water You Shouldn’t Be Seeing

Puddles of water around the indoor unit usually mean a clogged condensate line or a refrigerant leak. A refrigerant leak can be a dangerous health hazard. If the condensate drain line is clogged, it can cause water to back up in the unit and overflow on the floor. Clogs can also cause ceiling leaks, drywall damage, ice in your air conditioner and water stains on the walls.

3. Electric Bills You Shouldn’t Be Getting

Troubled air conditioners consume more energy than healthy ones. Although your system might still be keeping your Wellington, Florida, home comfortably cool, it might be doing so under excessive stress. If you notice an unexplained and sudden hike in your electric bills, it could be your air conditioner’s way of telling you that it needs professional help.

4. Odors You Shouldn’t Be Smelling

Smelly air conditioners are not healthy air conditioners. Musty odors suggest that microbes could be growing in your system. Bacterial and viral contaminants can flourish in dirty air conditioners, slimy condensate drain pans or in HVAC ductwork. These toxins will blow into your home and affect your indoor air quality every time your air conditioning system cycles on.

Save $20 on an air conditioner repair or any other HVAC service right now at Preferred Air Conditioning & Mechanical, Inc., or call one of our NATE-certified HVAC service technicians at (561) 202-1422 for help with troubleshooting your system. We’re a Florida factory-authorized Carrier dealer, but we fix all air conditioner makes and models.